Kevin Chilton

9-10-2010

RWWS 1^st

Torn Between Two Choices

"Last call for water!" screamed a frail, old voice. The crash of the Stock Market had created a ripple effect, which had spread throughout the whole country, and was affecting everyone. I was a poor man, trying to stay alive in this terrible state. I slowly got up and walked in line for water, followed by several, small children. "Yay, we can finally get some water!" said the smallest one. "It is about time." said another, "We haven't had any water in over two days."

When I finally got up to the counter, the lady said, "Your lucky, son." she said. "You got the last cup of water." After having heard those children, I couldn't bear the thought of them not having any water, so I asked her if she could give half of my cup to the children. "Sorry, I can't do that." she said. "All or nothing, take it or leave it."I looked around the small, decrepit shack. Families were sitting on crates, benches, even the floor. Children were running around, playing games. With a sigh, I reluctantly took the water and scowled at the lady. When I walked away, I heard the children ask for water. The lady rejected them, and scornfully shooed them away. I could hear the disappointment in their voices.

When I finally sat back down, I just stared at the cup of water, wondering why I had just done such a selfish and conceited thing to those children. They hadn't had any water in several days, and who knows how long without food. I just sat there, staring at the cup, deep in thought, Torn between two choices.